Multimedia Encyclopedia

Alcoholic neuropathy

Neuropathy - alcoholic; Alcoholic polyneuropathy

Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.

Causes

The exact cause of alcoholic neuropathy is unknown. Itlikely includes both a direct poisoning of the nerve by the alcohol and the effect of poor nutrition associated with alcoholism. Up to half of long-term heavy alcohol users develop this condition.

Treatment

It is important to supplement the diet with vitamins, including thiamine and folic acid.

Physical therapy and orthopedic appliances (such as splints) may be needed tomake suremuscle function and limb position are maintained.

Medicines may be neededto treat pain or uncomfortable sensations.Because persons with alcoholic neuropathy have alcohol dependence problems, theyare advised to take the least amount of medicine needed to reduce symptoms to help prevent drug dependence and other side effects of chronic use.

Chronic

Chronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...

Positioning or the use of a bed frame that keeps the covers off the legs may reduce pain for some people.

Light-headedness or dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension) may require several different treatments before finding one that successfully reduces symptoms. Treatments that may help include:

Female

Impotence, diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms are treated when necessary. These symptoms often respond poorly to treatment in people with alcoholic neuropathy.

It is important to protect body parts with reduced sensation from injury. This may include:

Checking the temperature of bath water to prevent burns

Changing footwear

Frequently inspecting the feet and shoes to reduce injury caused by pressure or objects in the shoes

Guarding the extremities to prevent injury from pressure

Alcohol must be stopped to prevent the damage from getting worse. Treatment for alcoholism may include counseling or social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or taking medicines.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Damage to nerves from alcoholic neuropathy is usually permanent.It is likely to get worse ifthe personcontinues to use alcohol orif nutritional problems are notcorrected. Alcoholic neuropathyis usually not life-threatening, but itcan severely affect quality of life.

Disability

Long-term (chronic) discomfort or pain

Injury to extremities

Falling, especially at night

Urinary incontinence or retention

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of alcoholic neuropathy.

Alcoholic neuropathy - illustration

Alcoholic neuropathy is a disorder involving decreased nerve function due to the damage caused by habitual alcohol abuse. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.

Alcoholic neuropathy

illustration

Motor nerves - illustration

Motor nerves are the nerves responsible for all voluntary skeletal and somatic movement such as moving the leg or arm.

Motor nerves

illustration

Autonomic Nerves - illustration

Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines).

Autonomic Nerves

illustration

Central nervous system - illustration

The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

Central nervous system

illustration

Alcoholic neuropathy - illustration

Alcoholic neuropathy is a disorder involving decreased nerve function due to the damage caused by habitual alcohol abuse. The damage may affect the autonomic nerves (those that regulate internal body functions) and the nerves that control movement and sensation.

Alcoholic neuropathy

illustration

Motor nerves - illustration

Motor nerves are the nerves responsible for all voluntary skeletal and somatic movement such as moving the leg or arm.

Motor nerves

illustration

Autonomic Nerves - illustration

Autonomic nerves are concerned with muscular functions which are reflexive, such as breathing, heartbeats and peristalsis (rhythmic movements of the intestines).

Autonomic Nerves

illustration

Central nervous system - illustration

The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.